Dengue in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, 2010-2012

Trop Med Int Health. 2015 Dec;20(12):1707-10. doi: 10.1111/tmi.12612. Epub 2015 Oct 19.

Abstract

Objective: To present results of virological surveillance and epidemiological aspects of dengue in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Methods: A total of 1581 cases, reported from 2010 to 2012 at various health centres in the state, were analysed by viral isolation and/or RT-PCR for viral detection and typing. To identify whether different genotypes were circulating in the state during this period, sequencing of the complete E gene for DENV (1485 bp in length) was performed directly from patient serum samples.

Results: All four serotypes of dengue virus circulated in Rio Grande do Norte, with the introduction of DENV-4 in the state in 2011. In 2012, DENV-4 represented 100% of positive confirmed cases. 53.97% of cases occurred in Natal. Case numbers peaked in April (21%) and May (23%). Genetic characterisation of circulating strains confirmed the circulation of genotypes V, south-east Asian/American and II, respectively, for DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-4.

Conclusions: This work furthers a better understanding of dengue viruses in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. Strengthening control efforts in the region is important considering the impact of dengue.

Keywords: Dengue; Epidemiology; Rio Grande do Norte; Virological Surveillance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dengue / epidemiology*
  • Dengue / virology
  • Dengue Virus / genetics*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Epidemics*
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Middle Aged
  • Phylogeny*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Serotyping / methods
  • Young Adult